Four Americans tell their harrowing stories of battling critical illnesses without health insurance. Ultimately, the subjects of "Critical Condition" discover that being uninsured can cost them their jobs, health, homes, savings and even their lives.

Joe Stornaiuolo, a doorman for 15 years, loses his finger, then his job and ultimately his health insurance. Karen Dove loses her insurance because her deteriorating health forces her to quit her job as an apartment manager. Hector Cardenas, a warehouse manager with diabetes, opts to have his infected foot amputated before losing his job and medical benefits. And, Carlos Benitez, an uninsured chef, has a severe back deformity and resigns himself to a life of chronic pain until he experiences what he calls a miracle: a team of surgeons willing to waive their $300,000 fees.

A half-hour special, Rx for Change, exploring the presidential candidates' proposals for health care reform, immediately follows "Critical Condition." Susan Dentzer, health correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, moderates the discussion, which include s spokespersons for the candidates as well as distinguished health policy experts.

And, on Connections with Renee Shaw, Renee and a panel of experts extend the impact of "Critical Condition" to discuss Kentucky's uninsured or underinsured children and the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program. The program airs Friday, Oct. 10 at 4/3 p.m. CT on KET2 and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1:30/12:30 p.m. CT on KET1.

P.O.V. "Critical Condition" is a production of Public Policy Productions Inc., in association with WNET/New York. Connections with Renee Shaw is a KET production, produced by Shaw and Carolyn Gwinn. More information about Connections, including streaming video, is available at www.ket.org/connections.